Sonoma County serves up a beautiful blend of vineyards, redwood forests, rugged coastline and character-rich small towns. Napa’s more laid-back yet equally delicious neighbor is the ideal wine country destination when you crave a restorative getaway that’s equal parts refined and down-to-earth. From the innovative cuisine scene and the complex cool climate pinot noirs to the gracious family-run inns and abundance of wide-open wild spaces ripe for exploration, Sonoma County surprises and delights at every delectable turn.
Perched on six acres, Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant in Forestville is the perfect place to base a Sonoma County adventure. The intimate 25-room property continually ranks among the best hotels in the country thanks to its impeccable hospitality, well-appointed rooms and Michelin-starred restaurant. The central location makes it a convenient base for exploring all sides of Sonoma, while enjoying the homey feel of a countryside retreat. Owned and operated by a brother-sister duo whose family has been farming in Sonoma County for five generations, the cheerful staff make you feel like part of their extended family from check-in through check-out.
The concierge team specializes in creating curated insider experiences for guests, be it exclusive tastings at their 20-plus winery partners, securing reservations at the area’s top restaurants or arranging private tours through their local artisan program. The common thread throughout is a focus on locally-grown ingredients and highlighting the region’s sustainable ethos, from touring an organic farm to meeting talented craftspeople.
I recently previewed their newest experiential offering that introduces guests to the county’s deep-rooted cannabis industry in collaboration with Emerald Country Tours & Experiences. I embarked upon a private six-hour tour led by cannabis expert and historian, Brian Applegarth, who customized the tour to meet my personal interests and cannabis knowledge.
Our first stop was Solful, a dispensary in nearby Sebastopol, where the staff guided us through their impressive selection of products with an emphasis on organic, sun-grown cannabis—including flower grown by a legendary local winemaker. Brian educated me on the region’s craft cannabis industry and Sonoma’s Emerald Country legacy throughout our scenic drive to the coast. We stopped for an elevated hike at Goat Rock beach and soaked up the sweeping views before our next stop, the quirky Russian Restaurant #1 where the Russian River empties into the Pacific. After sipping a cup of tea and looking at the art and artifacts, we continued on to Wine Tasting By the Sea in Jenner for another stellar seaside view. We passed through Guerneville en route back to Farmhouse Inn, stopping at the Guerneville Bank Club for a refreshing ice cream enjoyed on a stroll to the river’s edge. (As a shorter alternative to the immersive daylong cannabis tour, your Farmhouse Inn concierge can also arrange a private, personal shopping experience for you at Solful.)
There are plenty of other off-property diversions but it’s also equally tempting to remain ensconced in the property’s bucolic, fragrant bubble. Rooms are outfitted with yoga mats so you can start your day saluting the sun with yoga on your deck. Follow that with a soak in your room’s enormous bathtub using herbal bath accoutrements hand-picked from the lobby’s Sumbody “Bath Bar.” Relax by the serene swimming pool, where you can have healthy Farmstand bites delivered right to your lounge chair. Treat yourself to a 90-minute CBD massage at the “farm-to-table” spa and melt into a puddle of bliss in the airy spa lounge afterwards.
Your taste buds will constantly be pampered with local flavors too. Rooms are stocked with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and gourmet snacks like fresh goat cheese and crackers. The wine fridge features a sommelier-selected line-up of local wines accompanied by detailed tasting notes. Every evening, different local wineries host a wine tasting on property for guests with the option to order food pairings from Farmstand. Freshly baked cookies are left during nightly turndown service, and you can also satisfy your sweet tooth with complimentary s’mores fixings.
Farmhouse Inn’s signature restaurant is a destination in and of itself. Helmed by award-winning Executive Chef Steve Litke, the dinner service remains one of the most coveted reservations in the region. Breakfast at the Inn is also a must, whether you order in-room or sit in the dining room. I was such a fan of the Macro Bowl, I ordered it every morning. There was something extra satisfying knowing the eggs came from the family’s farm and all of the fermented deliciousness was made in-house with the region’s bounty.
I was so reluctant to leave when it came time to depart at the property’s very civilized noon check-out hour. That’s because Farmhouse Inn is truly all about feeding your soul…and they do a damn good job of it!
